SHAKER HTS. - Local author and University School history teacher Sam Thomas will be among those taking part in a mystery writers' forum on from 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 9) at Loganberry Books on Larchmere Boulevard.

His debut novel, "The Midwife's Tale: A Mystery," set during the English Civil War in the mid-1600s, was recently released to critical acclaim, as well as solid sales, and Thomas is already working on the sequels.

But the current book is keeping him very busy at the moment, with a "Meet The Author" night scheduled later this month at the Bertram Woods Branch of the Shaker Heights Public Library, and at least a half-dozen book club appearances scheduled.

"I made the decision that I wanted a career change, but I also wanted to keep writing," Thomas said of his family's recent move from his former tenured post at the University of Alabama at Huntsville to the Fernway neighborhood in Shaker Heights.

He realized he was no longer going to be able to take a year's leave of absence to conduct formal historical research.

"But with fiction, I can always just make something up," he quipped in a recent interview between classes at US.

He noted Shaker's "sense of community" is a quality that is important to him, his wife and two sons, first- and fourth-graders.

"Even before we moved here, we knew it was our kind of place, with things like block parties and neighbors who care about one another," Thomas said. "It's that local identity and pride, although I think my sons enjoy the sledding more than I do."

Saturday's event, catered to both mystery writers and enthusiasts, is being put together by an "organization of crimewriters" known as "Sisters in Crime," and will also feature authors Jane Turzillo, Amanda Flower, Casey Daniels, Kylie Logan and Shelly Costa.

"Join us for conversation on what editors want, the enduring appeal of the mystery, and the unpaved road to publication," states the website for Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd.

Books will also be available for sale and signing at the Bertram Woods Library Branch, 20600 Fayette Road, beginning at 7 p.m. Feb. 20.

Then on April 3, Thomas and Mary Grimm, who chairs Case Western Reserve University's English Department will discuss "The Midwife's Tale" at the Coventry Library, 1925 Coventry Road, as part of the Cedar/Coventry Reading Series sponsored by Mac's Backs, Appletree Books and the CH-UH Public Library.

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